The shoulder joint is the body's most mobile joint. It can turn in
many directions. But, this advantage also makes the shoulder an easy joint
to dislocate.

Shoulder instability

A partial dislocation (subluxation) means the head of the
upper arm bone (humerus) is partially out of the socket (glenoid). A complete
dislocation means it is all the way out of the socket. Both partial and
complete dislocation cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder.

Symptoms

Symptoms to look for include:

Swelling

Numbness

Weakness

Bruising

Sometimes dislocation may tear ligaments or tendons in the shoulder
or damage nerves.

The shoulder joint can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. A
common type of shoulder dislocation is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior
instability). This means the upper arm bone moved forward and down out of
its joint. It may happen when the arm is put in a throwing position.

The doctor will place the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) back
into the joint socket. This process is called closed reduction. Severe
pain stops almost immediately once the shoulder joint is back in place.

Your doctor may immobilize the shoulder in a sling or other device
for several weeks following treatment. Plenty of rest is needed. The sore
area can be iced 3 to 4 times a day.

After the pain and swelling go down, the doctor will prescribe rehabilitation
exercises for you. These help restore the shoulder's range of motion and
strengthen the muscles. Rehabilitation may also help prevent dislocating
the shoulder again in the future. Rehabilitation will begin with gentle
muscle toning exercises. Later, weight training can be added.

If shoulder dislocation becomes a chronic condition, a brace can sometimes
help. However, if therapy and bracing fail, surgery may be needed to repair
or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that help hold the joint in place,
particularly in young athletes.

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced
herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended
to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance
should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through
the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.